Apr 14, 2013

Proost to Amstel and Czech-mate!

How can you not like a bike race named after a brewery?

A sunny day today to start the Ardennes classics, La Flèche Wallonne (this Wednesday) and Liège-Bastogne-Liège (Sunday) will follow. Roman Kreuziger pulled off an amazing single-day win attacking the foot of the Cauberg - capturing the Amstel Gold. He was one rider that wasn't on my radar, but in a way, a rider I was glad to see win. The Czech outlasting an on-form Gilbert in the closing kms. On the last 90 kms Gilbert was involved in a huge crash and managed to shake it off and chase frantically back. Thomas Voeckler abandoned with a broken collarbone.

Ryder reacts...

Gilbert reacts on the Cauberg.

A crash took out Joaquim Rodriguez at a muddy portion 45km remaining, a favorite of the Ardennes classics now unsure of his form for the next two races. And, favorite Peter Sagan faded to 36th and not at all in the mix.

Rob Ruijgh falls in mud with Purito

The day belonged to Kreuziger... a masterful Czech-mate in Amstel Gold!